1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
This play is set in Hollywood, California during the 1940s. The two main characters are Asian American male actors, Vincent Chang and Bradley Yamashita. The “what” of the play is the role Asian Americans play in the acting world and the two different perspectives that Vincent and Bradley offer on this topic. Bradly is new to the acting scene while Vincent has been acting for quite some time. I think this is important to understanding their characters.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion happens when Vincent finds out about Bradley killing someone.
3. What is the unique factor?
I think the unique factor is the relationship between the two characters. In a way, they are drawn to each other at the party and thus this begins a relationship between the two and the dialogue they have.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will the actors be able to obtain roles and excel in the acting community or will their Asian heritage stand in their way?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
Everyone knows: That the two are trying to make their way in the acting world.
Only one person knows: Only Bradley knows he has killed someone until he tells Vincent.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
I think the most theatrical moment is when Bradley tells Vincent he ahs killed someone because this is so unexpected and shocking.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Ethnicity and casting
Discrimination
Gender-roles
8. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
Bradley and Vincent both want to be successful in the acting community. Vincent even wants to win an Oscar. However, many productions are not written with Asians playing the characters and thus Asians do not get cast as much as they could. Typecasting is not allowing Vincent and Bradley many opportunities to show their talent and be successful actors.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
I think one image is Bradley as a rock. As a role in a play, and as a description of himself, rock is associated with Bradley twice in “Yankee Dawg you Die”. Bradley has also killed someone before. That being said, Bradley being compared to a rock is beneficial to understanding his character because it seems as if he is hard/tough/cut-throat type of person.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
There aren’t really any family relationships in this play. However, Vincent and Bradley seem to be helping each other work through their own issues.
Disgraced Worksheet
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
The play takes place in New York in an apartment. The apartment belongs to a lawyer, Amir, is trying to get ahead in his firm so he turns from his previous Muslim faith because he thinks this will help him achieve his goal. The time period is modern day.
2. What is the intrusion?
I think the intrusion is when Amir finds out that Emily is cheating on him and beats her.
3. What is the unique factor?
I think the unique factor is the dinner party in itself. The dinner party is where all the different opinions and beliefs are heard and without this the overall message of the play would be missed. Also, the fact that Amir has turned away from his faith to get ahead in his firm may be a unique factor of the play.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Amir ever identify as a Muslim in present day America, or will he put his career above his faith because of society?
5. List some of the themes of the play.
Diversity
Denial of Heritage to fit into society
Discrimination
6. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
Amir wants to get ahead in his firm and thus indirectly wants to separate himself from his Muslim heritage. The people at the dinner want to talk about controversial topics that have to deal with their own heritages and beliefs. I think Emily, Amir’s wife, wants his love and support. I think her caring for Isaac
Was unable to see the play.
Zoot Suit Worksheet
Hannah Jackson
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
The who is Henry Reynas and his street gang of “chicanos”. The play took place in Los Angeles, California during the 1940s. The what is everything the gang encounters including the police and the Downey Gang. They wear the zoot suit which is a big jacket with baggy pants. This is what distinguished them.
2. What is the intrusion?
I think the intrusion is when Henry and his gang are arrested by the LAPD for killing a young male Mexican-American.
3. What is the unique factor?
I think the unique factor is the time era that this occurred in. WWII had the police on edge and thus this contributed to the arrest of Henry and his gang. Maybe sentiments would have been different if The United States was not in a war.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Henry and his friends get justice?
Will discrimination toward Mexican-Americans come to an end?
5. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
I think the most theatrical moment would have to be that fight at the Sleepy Lagoon between the two gangs. Fights always draw out a lot of emotion and action.
.
6. List some of the themes of the play.
Justice vs. Injustice
Failure of our judicial system
Justice for Minorities
Mexican-American Culture
Taking advantage of authority (police)
7. What does Henry want? How does the playwright resolve his wants at the end of the play? How does this resolution compare with the real Henry, as indicated in the documentary?
Henry wants to join the military and to be treated equally as a Mexican-American. He also really cares about his family and respects his Hispanic culture. Because of the arrest and mistreatment by the police and judicial system, Henry cannot join the navy. At the end of the play, Henry is happily with his family and living out his heritage.
The play and real life depictions of Henry are much different. Henry ends up going to prison a couple of times and is addicted to drugs. I think the play rewrote his story in a way that would be beneficial to Mexican-American culture. Besides, no one likes a sad ending.
8. Note which version of the play in production you saw (either the DVD version or the HS stage version), then discuss the way the designers move from place to place (scene to scene) and how effectively that is for communicating the dramatic action.
The fast pace and swift/smooth scene transitions in the high school production kept me attentive to what was going on. They used Pachuco and lighting/colors to help identify where the action was taking place which helped me get my understanding of where we were. The blackouts added to the suspenseful nature and overall interestingness of the play because you didn’t know what happened or what was going to happen next. Overall I felt the high school production really kept you on the edge of your seat while also strategically using props and characters to portray locations.
9. Choose a character from the play and discuss how the costume designer has accentuated (focused) the audience attention on that character. What are some of the details of the costume that strike you as interesting or exaggerated.
El Pachuco’s entire character is an exaggeration. I think the move really exaggerates his character with his style of clothing and dramatic body movements. Even the way he talks because his mouth movements are extreme when pronouncing his words.
10. Lighting plays a big role in the DVD and the staged version by the HS. Discuss the use of light to accentuate characters and scenes, choosing a particular scene from the production to discuss.
Lighting, as in all plays, played an important role in this production. It contributed to the location by setting the background. For example, lighting helped create a sunset which added to the mood of the play. Also the lighting highlighted characters which again added to the mood of the scene. The one scene that sticks out to me most is when Pachuco is stripped of his zoot suit and the entire set turns red. This adds to the dramatic nature of this scene.
Fires in the Mirror Modified Worksheet
Based on your viewing of the entire youtube version of Fires in the Mirror which was created from the play for presentation on television, answer the following questions:
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
This play takes place in a neighborhood, Crown Heights, in Brooklyn, New York and is set in August of 1991. The "who" of the play is those that live in this neighborhood and the "what" is an incident that occurred between a Jewish man and a young black boy. The incident caused racial conflict and the characters give their points of view.
2. What is the intrusion?
I think the intrusion is when the Jewish rabbi accidentally runs over a young black male named Gabin. This what starts the conflict between the black and Jewish community which causes further violence to happen.
3. What is the unique factor?
I think the unique factor is when the Rabbi runs over Gavin.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will the black and Jewish communities reconcile or will hatred dominate their relationship thus forth?
5. In your opinion what is the most theatrical segment of the video version of the play and explain why do you think it is so powerful?
In my opinion, the most theatrical segment of the video version of the play was the section titled "Lingering". This section has slow, sad music playing in the background as pictures of Gavin are shown and pictures of his coffin. This is followed by Gavin's father giving his perspective of what happened. I found this so emotionally moving. The father speaks in a calm quite voice. When he says, "That's my son" I felt my heart drop. I think this is the most theatrical part of the play because it is so emotionally evoking,
6. List some of the themes of the play.
Racial Conflict
Religious Culture
Justice
7. Television allows the actress to create mini sets, a variety of lighting effects, and detailed costume pieces for the presentation of her many characters, not to mention graphic footage of the actual events in Crown Heights. This is frankly not possible to accomplish on the stage which requires that the action move rapidly between one scene and the other leaving little if any time for a change of dress, settings, lights, and props. Describe some of the varieties of these production details that struck you as particularly effective.
I think what really made the character come alive was Smith's attention to detail. The costumes were very helpful in identifying who the characters were but Smith's focus on specific mannerism, accents, and overall style of characters really helped me to connect with the characters. I thought she did a really good job of portraying the dad with the deep voice and attempts not to cry on camera. It is all the details coming together that made the portrayal of the characters so effective.
Lines Worksheet for analysis and design of this live production
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
This play takes place in Grand Rapids, Michigan where different people talk about finding somewhere to live. I think the what of the play is racial diversity and all it entails.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion of this play is hard to identify because of the lack of story line but I would say the intrusion is the characters decision to tell their stories.
3. What is the unique factor?
I think the unique factor is the racial diversity
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will the “lines” of society the characters spoke about ever go away?
5. Identify some of the most theatrical moments in the play and of what importance they were to you.
Because all of the characters were sharing their own experiences there wasn’t really a theatrical moment that stood out to me. I never really felt a climax to the story either. It was more like a documentary to me.
6. List some of the themes of the play.
Discrimination
The societal “norm”
7. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
I think the most obvious and yet most important image is the “lines”. The lines may not be something you can literally see but they are lines you can feel. There are lines, almost like unspoken rules or boundaries, that society sets. The title “lines” is fitting because the characters are giving their lines while also the message of the play is about racial lines in society and how they have affected so many people.
8. The production used the stage in a multitude of creative ways to places where the action took place. List some of these that particularly stood out to you.
The boxes on the stage is what stood out to me. These white boxes served a multitude of purposes. Actors would stand on the boxes and sit on the boxes. The boxes were also used to give a visual for a neighborhood of houses. I just thought something so simple had a really unique effect on this play. I think this also further played into the “lines” theme.
9. Projections and lighting also played an important role in the performance. Discuss the use of both to achieve the intended effect.
I thought it was helpful how the names and occupations of those speaking were projected where the audience could see. It really helped me to understand what was going on and keep track of who was speaking. The spotlight on individuals that were speaking was also helpful. In this way, I think the play did a really good job of being clear and concise.
10. Live and recorded sound played a role in this production. What were some of the memorable uses of these to support the stories that were told.
I didn’t appreciate the sound of drums in the background. It made it difficult for me to focus on what these characters were saying. However, I do think the drums added to the mood of the play by making it more intense for the audience.
Extremities Worksheet
Hannah Jackson
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
Extremities takes place in the kitchen and living room of a farm house located in New Jersey. The time period is recent or modern day. The who of the play would be Marjorie and her almost rapist Raul. Some other characters of the play include Marjorie’s roommates Terry and Patricia. Terry and Patricia come home to find the evidence of the attempted rape.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion is when Raul goes to the farmhouse to try and rape Marjorie while she is home by herself.
3. What is the unique factor?
The unique factor is that after stalking these women for some time, Raul finally decides to go into the farmhouse to try and rape them.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Marjorie and her roommates kill Raul?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
The type of exposition that is only known to one character: Only Raul knew he was going to rape these women
The type of exposition known to all the characters: The Marjorie has tortured Raul
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
I think the most theatrical moment of the play is when Marjorie is threatening to kill Raul in a similar way he had threatened her.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Feminism
Justice for all versus justice for one
8. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
Marjorie wants revenge for what Raul has done to her but it seems that her conscience, roommates, and possibly fear of the law stand in her way of getting that revenge.
Raul wanted to rape the women, but Marjorie prevents this from happening.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
I think the wasp is an image of rape. In the beginning of the play there is a wasp that is disturbing Marjorie. A wasp sticks people with a stinger and injects poison, in this way, I think it is symbolizing rape. The wasp upsets Marjorie as did the attempted rape.
I think the title extremities is referring to this wasp and thus rape. One definition of extremity is extreme degree or nature of something. I think rape is taking sex to an extreme degree and further more Marjorie’s reaction was extreme but necessary.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
Raul mentions his family a lot throughout the play but his role in the play of the attempted rape suggest that he does not truly care about his family. The roommates seem close but I would not go as far to say family.
Design Worksheet for Split Second
Please type or write your name here: Hannah Jackson
1. Which of the possible venues do you think would best suit the play? Circle the one you choose and explain why you think it would work best.
Proscenium
Arena
Thrust
Flexible
I think the Proscenium stage would best suit the play because it will allow optimal view for the audience and smooth transitions to different locations. For the scene where Val shoots Willis, Proscenium would be the best pick because everyone can see the entire shooting. In another style like Arena, the audience may only get to see the back of Val or the back of Willis. Seeing as this scene is pertinent to the plot of the play, it is important for everyone to see what happens in its entirety.
2. What are some of the challenges posed by the play on the scene designer?
In this play, there are a lot of different locations such as the street, apartment, police station, and bar. It will be hard to ensure that the audience is aware of the location change. There will be a lot of scene changes that will occur in a short period of time so that will take a lot of planning. Also portraying a “street” scene might be hard to capture because so much goes into making a street.
3. Choose a character from the play and suggest how she/he should be dressed. In what ways do you think the costume would help accentuate his/her character.
I think Willis should be dressed to reflect a low socio-economic status. He should have a white under-shirt, or a wife beater with a hoodie jacket and some torn up jeans and cheap tennis shoes. I think his clothes should look very worn with stains. Willis commits crimes so maybe he does not have money and I feel that she be reflected in his clothing.
4. Provide ideas about the use of light in the play.
The time of day changes so that will need to be accounted for. Also, I think when the shooting happens, there should be a spotlight on the two men and then once Willis dies, the lights should slowly dim out to blackness. I think that this will make this theatrical theme even more dramatic. Lighting can really set the mood/tone and this scene is dramatic and dark and the lighting should reflect that.
5. Suggest music or sound effects that might be used to suggest the mood or atmosphere of the play and the transitions between parts of the play.
I think during the argument between Willis and Val the music should start out slow at the beginning but then speed up tempo as the argument intensifies and the music should become extremely intense and loud right as Val shoots Willis but then immediately stop and become silent right after. This will add to the intensity of the scene. I think the transitions of the play should reflect the coming up scene. For instance, the transition to the street scene should have street sounds like cars honking and people talking.
Split Second Worksheet
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
This play takes place in Manhattan, New York on the upper westside in 1981. The main characters or “who” of the play is Val, Alea, and Rusty Johnson, Willis, Charlie, and Parker. The play is about the decision a black police officer must make after shooting a white car thief.
2. What is the intrusion?
I think the intrusion occurs when Val becomes very angry because Willis is saying racially charged things to him and reacts to this by shooting and ultimately killing him.
3. What is the unique factor?
The unique factor is the race factor in the play. If skin color did not play a part in the play then this would be just a simple murder and the context of the play would completely change.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Val admit the true reason for killing Willis or will he lie to protect himself?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
Type of exposition that only one character knows: Only Val knows he killed Willis out of rage
Type of exposition everyone knows: Willis was a car thief and was shot by Val
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
I think the most theatrical moment of the play is when Val shoots Willis. It’s dramatic because the emotions are highly escalated because of the derogatory remarks from Willis which leads to an extreme response that makes the audience feel shocked. This scenes importance is that it shows the real emotion that can come from intense discrimination and its effects.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Racial Inequality
Truth vs. justice
8. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
Willis wanted to steal a car and get away with it but Val stands in his way by shooting him.
Alea wants her husband Val to lie and say the shooting was self-defense to protect himself and thus their family but Val’s conscience stands in her way.
Val is upset with himself for killing Willis and wishes he could go back and not do it but unfortunately for him time is his undefeatable, irreversible obstacle.
Val’s father wants Val to tell the truth about the shooting but again Val’s conscience telling him to do the right thing stands in his way.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
I think the gun that Val uses to kill Willis is a symbol of the rage and hatred someone can feel due to oppression. The title connects the image of the gun and furthermore the action of the whole play. I think “Split Second” is referring to the split second it took to kill Willis, and how everything can change in a split second.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
Alea and Val seem to have a close marriage in which they can talk about the crime Val committed openly instead of Val hiding it. Also, Val really values his wife’s opinion when it comes to what he should do: admit the true reason he killed Willis or not. Val and his father also seem to be close but it seems that Val’s father puts a lot of pressure on him but because he really cares about his son and wants him to do the right thing.
Execution of Justice Worksheet
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
The play is set in San Francisco, California in 1978. The who of the play is Harvey Milk and George Moscone. These men are murdered because they pursued political careers as gay men. Moscone was the mayor of San Francisco and Milk was the first openly gay man to be elected as a public official in California. He was on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The what of the play is that Dan White murdered Moscone and Harvey and was defended by Schmidt in court.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion is when Mayor Moscone and Harvey Milk are killed by Dan White.
3. What is the unique factor?
I think the unique factor is that the men that were murdered, Harvey Milk and Moscone were gay. This factor changed the theme of the play from just being a murder to a hate crime against gays, especially during a time when the LGBT community were under such scrutiny.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
What will happen to Dan White?
How just is the justice system?
Will the fact that these men were gay affect the jurys opinion?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
One example of exposition that everyone knows is that the men that were murdered were gay and that they were killed by Dan White.
The other type of exposition that only one character knows is Dan White deciding to kill Milk and Mocone. Only he knew that he was going to do that, and more importantly why he did it.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
I think the most theatrical moment of the play is when the jury gives their guilty verdict. The entire play had been leading up to this moment to see how society would react to the murder of gay men buy a man that was considered “one of their own”. They did give the guilty verdict, however Dan stilled received a very light sentence.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Gay rights/equality for gays
How just is the justice system
community
8. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
The defense wants to convince the jury that Dan White was not in control when he killed these men because he was having a psychotic episode. The LGBT community is one obstacle in their way however this does not prevent the defense from succeeding.
The prosecution wants to prove that this was a hate crime, meaning that Dan White killed these men because they were gay. The societal norms stand in their way of getting sympathy for these homosexuals.
Dan White does not want to be seen as a malicious murderer and wants to return to his good reputation but this I not possible because he has murdered two people.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
An image in the play that stood out to me is the gun. The gun helped Dan White murder Mocone and Milk. Dan had a plan, and he executed it. The title of this play is execution of justice. I think execution is used because Dan White is executioner in a sense and the title is suggesting that this was premeditated murder and not a psychotic break which was debated throughout the play.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
The LGBT Community could be seen as family because they are loyal to one another and stick up for each other. Dan Whites family sticks by him even though committed a terrible act. Overall, there are strong familial bonds in this play.
Flyin' West Worksheet Flyin’ West Worksheet Name: Hannah Jackson
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
WHO: Three sisters: Sophie, Minnie, and Fannie; Minnie’s husband Frank, and Miss Leah
WHEN: The play is set in 1898, during a time of racial inequality.
WHERE: Nicodemus, Kansas
WHAT: The play is about sisters Sophie, Minnie, and Fannie and their lives in the town of Nicodemus, Kansas where the population is entirely black. I think the main what of this
Miss Leah, Sophie & Wil, Minnie & Frank, and Fannie are in the town of Nicodemus in Kansas in 1898 trying to start a new life in the west.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion is when Frank is drunk and angry that he lost his money gambling so he takes his anger out on Minnie which leads to Minnie pleading with Fannie not to shoot Frank because she is pregnant.
3. What is the unique factor?
I think the unique factor is that Minnie and Frank are returning from Londo.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Minnie escape her abusive husband? Will the women take it upon themselves to get rid of Frank?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
1) Minnie kept it to herself that she was pregnant until Fannie went to shoot Frank where she reveals it to everyone 2) All the characters know that Frank is abusing Minnie.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
I think the most theatrical moment of the play is when Fannie goes to shoot Frank causing Minnie to dramatically reveal she is pregnant.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Domestic Violence Women Inequality Racial inequality
8. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
Frank wants the money he was supposed to inherit but his brothers cut him out of the will.
All of the women want a better community with a school and library but racial prejudices prevent this from happening
Minnie wants to farm her land and have a happy marriage but she is in an abusive relationship.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
The title “Flyin West” draws attention to how African American’s were leaving the south and going West to escape the unbearable racism and oppression. The weather of the play could symbolize the mood of the play. During the hardships the women experience it is winter but when they escape Frank it turns to spring.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
The women in this play are not all related but you would not know that by the way they behave. This play really shows the meaning of sisterhood among women and the loyalty, love, and support that comes with that. Also, Miss Leah serves as a mother figure to the women. Another family relationship that is examined during this play is that between a husband and wife. Marriage seems to not have been so much about love but about dependence. Even though Minnie is being abused by her husband, she tells Fannie not to shoot him because she is pregnant insinuating that she needs him to raise a child
The Rez Sisters Worksheet Name: Hannah Jackson 1. Reflect on the importance of the character (spirit?) not seen by all the characters but seen by only one or a few of the characters and discuss that character’s importance to the dramatic action and the development of the plot. Nanabush is the “spirit” character of the play and is also an important deity in Native American cultures. Nanabush, in a way, stays behind the scenes and observes the events that take place among these women. It is there when the characters are going through difficult times: Marie-Adele dying of cancer, Zhaboonigan’s horrific rape, and when the women are fighting. I think Nanabush serves as a spirit that encapsulates the emotions that go along with all of these events. The spirit understands how the characters are feeling and uses this knowledge to guide them. I think this is why the spirit takes the form of a bird because a bird is sort of a guiding animals. I also think it is worth mentioning that when Marie-Adele is dying she calls Nanabush “the spirit inside”. This further supports the claim that Nanabush is the spirit of all of these women, feeling all of their pains, and thus empathizing with them.
2. Compare the aspirations and socio-economic level of the characters in this play with those in Wedding Band, Queen's Garden, and Real Women.
In The Rez Sisters, Wedding Band, Queen's Garden, and Real Women the characters are trying to escape the current lifestyle they are in. For example, in Wedding Band the main female characters just wants to marry the man she loves and escape the ridicule of loving a white man, in Queen’s Garden the women want to escape the constant patronization and oppression inflicted by their husbands, in Real Women Ana wants to go to college and escape the clothing shop and in The Rez Sisters the women want to win the bingo game to escape their life of poverty. Lack of money seems to be one of the main driving forces of many of these plots. All of these characters are of low-socioeconomic backgrounds. I think this reinforces the fact that women were limited on what type of jobs they could have and did not make equal pay. Overall, the characters in these plays are trying to escape their oppressive lifestyles and reach a freedom and equality they never have had before.
3. Compare the role of women and the depiction of men in this play with that in Real Women Have Curves In Real Women Have Curves, it seemed as if the women looked at men as their survival whereas in The Rez Sisters they are not really that important. In The Rez Sisters and in Real Women Have Curves it is clear that the women are not of equal status of the men. For instance, a woman in The Rez Sisters could not become chief because that is only a role for a man. Also in the The Rez Sisters, the women don’t really seem to depend on men, they make their own income as little as it may be. Men in The Rez Sisters cause conflict such as the rape of Marie-Adele. However in Real Women Have Curves men were seen as someone who could provide money as it is suggested to Ana to get a husband that can pay for college. Overall, in both plays the inequality between men and women, especially financially, is clear, but how the women look at this situation is different.
Real Women Have Curves Worksheet : Hannah Jackson
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
“Real Women have Curves” is set in a small sewing factory in East Los Angeles in the year 1987. The who of the play is five Mexican-American women. They all work at this clothing factory with Estela being the owner. Estela’s family and friends work for her at this clothing factory. Carmen is Estela’s mother, Anna is Estela’s sister, and Pancha and Rosali are her friends. However, the story is told from the point of view of Anna. These women are not wealthy and work hard to make the money they do.
2. What is the intrusion?
I think the intrusion is when Estela reveals she does not have legal residency papers. This causes a lot of problems for the women because the women because they have to make a certain amount of dresses by a deadline to have enough money so that Estela is not deported. So really all of the issues that follow are because Estela is in the United States illegally and therefore running a business could pose many problems for Estela and her workers.
3. What is the unique factor?
I think the unique factor of the play is definitely the van the women see. The women think the van might be someone trying to deport Estela. This is intensifies their worry and helps put speed up the action of play by making the threat of being deported very real for these women and thus they try to work harder.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Estela be deported? Will the women make enough dresses by the deadline?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
Information that everyone knows: I think this would most obviously be that Estela doesn’t have her papers and could get deported.
Information only one character knows: Ana keeps her own wants and desires of going to college and getting out of the factory life to herself. I think this is to show how women often felt trapped and kept these struggles to themselves.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
I think the most theatrical moment of the play is when the women take off all of their clothes. I’m sure this really shocks the audience and is pretty dramatic/scandalous for women to do during this time period. It also brings up the issue of what size is seen as appropriate for women and we see this as the women compare their bodies.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Immigration
Mexican-American Heritage
Familial values
Women and their body image
Women’s place
8. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
Estela wants to be a legal resident and not get deported so that she can run a hopefully successful business in the U.S. What really stands in her way is her criminal record which prevents her from getting her legal residency papers.
Anna wants to go to college but her familial financial obligations of working in the factory stand in her way.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
I think the images throughout the play of the women working in uncomfortable conditions helps the audience realize who “Real women” are and thus what the title means. “Real women” do what they have to and get the work done. They help their family and are loyal to one another. They are hard-working and do not all come in the same size. Body image is also seen throughout the play especially when the women take all of their clothes off which really supports the “Real Women have Curves” title. I think the title is saying women do have curves literally as in they are not just thin boards and also curves figuratively meaning flair or spunk as seen throughout the play.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
There are strong familial relationships between the five women of the play. Even though Ana wants to go a different direction with her life other than the factory she is loyal to her sister and stays to help out the family. In fact, all of the women work very hard to ensure that Estela does not get deported even though they are not at risk. They put helping family first and sticking together as women.
Queen’s Garden Worksheet Hannah Jackson
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
When: This play is set in 1966 and is a story told by a woman named Brenda (who).
Where: There is music playing in the background to give the sense of the beach in California. The audience begins to drift into the event as Brenda starts her narrative. Brenda is telling a story of her life when she was 13, in L.A., on an island they call the “west side.” She, her mother, and her siblings all work at her dad’s pharmacy store.
Who: Brenda, the narrator and young girl teenager in the story. What: Brenda’s life with her boyfriend Kali and the other friends she makes: Smoke and Sherry.
2. What is the intrusion?
I think the intrusion is when Brenda and Kali are put in separate classes. Kali is with the rest of the “west side kids” and Brenda is not. This is what will speed up the intensity of the play an ultimately I believe lead Kali and Brenda down two separate paths.
3. What is the unique factor?
I think the unique factor of the play is Kali “squealing to the DEA” about Smoke. This leads the betrayal from Smoke’s point of view which really puts the action of the story in motion: Brenda returning to help Kali and the death of Aunty Mary.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Brenda and Kali stay together? Is Brenda going to try to save Kali from his lifestyle?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
The stasis of the play available in the prologue is information known to the whole audience.
The details of Kali’s drug issues is kept from the other characters of the play and the reader for some time.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
I think the most theatrical moment of the play is when aunty Mary gets shot and thus killed during a gun fight between Kali and Smoke. This is theatrical none the less because it is a murder scene but also Aunty Mary is not the character you would expect to die in this play and also Kali and Smoke used to be very good friends. These factors contribute to the drama of theatre.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Privileged vs. non-privileged
Minorities/ equality for all ethnicities
8. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
Brenda does not want the “west side” to define her. She wants a successful and maybe even honorable lifestyle. This is why she becomes a teacher. She tries to keep away from the west side but it is her love for Kali that keeps calling her back. In this way Kali serves as an obstacle to Brenda’s happiness.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
I think the various depictions of red roses we get throughout the play relate to the title “Queen’s Garden”. The roses and their smell symbolized the love between these friends and the image we get when both Aunty Mary and Kali die has red roses falling. I think this symbolizes that the only reason there was such hatred between past friends Smoke and Kali was because they had once loved each other as friends. I think the roses falling symbolize how the love the characters shared ultimately destroyed them in the end.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
The group of friends (Sherry, Smoke, Brenda, and Kali) seen in the play seem like they have made a family. Even when Brenda has made a better life for herself, she still comes back to the west side because she loves Kali and her friend Sherry tells her that Kali and Smoke are involved with bad stuff. It is this familial loyalty that brings these kids together but will also tear them apart.
Trifles Design Worksheet: Hannah Jackson
1. The way an audience perceives the play is shaped by the choice of performance venue, as well as the set that is designed for the play. Indeed, all the elements that you see and hear during a performance are bound to shape your perception of the play. Which of the following venues do you think can best meet the needs of the play?
I think the Proscenium venue would be the most beneficial for the audience. All of the action occurs inside the house and mainly in the kitchen so the proscenium view would allow the audience to get a close up look of the inside of the house. This play is very much about detail so this more intimate style will give the best view for the audience to draw connections throughout the play.
2. What are some of the challenges posed by the play on the design team?
Some of the main events of the play are sizably small so this would make it hard for the audience to see. For instance, the bird with its neck wrung will be hard for the audience to see. A bird is small as is and then the manner in which the bird died will be even hard to project to the entire audience visually.
3. Choose a character from the play and suggest how she/he should be dressed. In what ways do you think the costume would help accentuate his/her character?
I think the women should be dressed in vibrant colors and in dresses to demonstrate their femininity. I think the men should be in suit and tie to express their status as men in this time period. The play is really focused on women so the vibrant colors of their dresses should attract the attention of the audience. I also think it adds to the condescension the women experience from the men, as if wearing vibrant colors diminishes their intellectualness in some way. Thus to draw light to the sexism in the play which is demonstrated by the men with their mockery of femininity.
4. Given the content of the play, how might the lighting design help further the mood of the production?
I think the lighting should be dark to add to the solemnness of the women in the beginning and the unavoidable eeriness that comes with a murder. However, when the excitement picks up as the women decide to hide evidence I think the lighting should brighten some. I also think the light should be used to identify the important details of the play such as the trifles and the birds.
5. Suggest music or sound effects that might be used to accentuate the mood or atmosphere of the play and the transitions between parts of the play.
With any murder case scenario, I think there should be dramatic music at some key theatrical parts, such as when the ladies find the dead bird. I also think the music should intensify when the women decide to hide the bird to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, in suspense of if the women will get caught. I also think the music should be slow and solemn when the women are talking amongst each other about their plights as women.
Design Worksheet for Wedding Band
Please type or write your name here: Hannah Jackson
1. Which of the possible venues do you think would best suit the play? Circle the one you choose and explain why you think it would work best.
Proscenium
Arena
Thrust
Flexible
I think the proscenium style would work the best for Wedding Band. With this style, the three houses would sit in a row and the backyard would be where we see many of the characters converse. However, this would allow a more intimate view for scenes when they are inside of Julia’s house. It allows for the audience to be close enough to the stage to see things that take place inside the house for scenes between Julia and Herman. The proscenium style offers the most logical proximity for the audience to experience this play. It is a more intimate experience than a huge stage such has thrust or arena.
2. What are some of the challenges posed by the play on the scene designer?
I think the three houses design will pose the most challenge to the scene designer. It is important for the audience to understand which house the characters are in in regards to the scenes where the characters inter a house. I also think that the backyard scenario will be a little difficult to represent while maintaining a unique setting to this time period. It poses the question of what did backyards look like in 1918 verses 2016? It will be difficult to create an accurate representation of 1918 within the limits of a backyard. One of the main aspects of a backyard is grass; how would one have a grassy stage? I think a backyard overall is just a difficult setting to capture theatrically.
3. Choose a character from the play and suggest how she/he should be dressed. In what ways do you think the costume would help accentuate his/her character.
I think Julia’s attire is most important because we know the most about her and she is featured in the most scenes. I think she should be dressed in a quaint but dignified look. I think she should dress in bold colors such as a deep blue or red to exemplify the boldness of loving a white man as a black woman. Her clothes should look hand-made because she sews but none the less they should look like a lot of time and effort was spent making them. Overall Julia is confident and strong which should be demonstrated through her attire, however at her socio-economic level.
4. Provide ideas about the use of light in the play.
Because the play is set in the summer, I think the lighting through most of the play should be bright and warm but not too bright where it distracts the audience. I think the lighting should reflect the mood of the scene. For instance, I would use a white light during the argument between Julia and Herman’s mother but have it dark all around them. I would also have the light very dim as Julia comforts Herman as he passes. Besides this, the lighting should reflect what time of day it is.
5. Suggest music or sound effects that might be used to suggest the mood or atmosphere of the play and the transitions between parts of the play.
I think the beginning of the play should have somewhat upbeat music to reflect the joys and easiness of summer. However, during the more somber times of the play, such as Herman’s death, naturally the music should be slow and melancholy. I think the sound effects of rain and thunder during the argument between Julia and Herman’s mother would build the intensity of the argument.
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
This play is set in Hollywood, California during the 1940s. The two main characters are Asian American male actors, Vincent Chang and Bradley Yamashita. The “what” of the play is the role Asian Americans play in the acting world and the two different perspectives that Vincent and Bradley offer on this topic. Bradly is new to the acting scene while Vincent has been acting for quite some time. I think this is important to understanding their characters.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion happens when Vincent finds out about Bradley killing someone.
3. What is the unique factor?
I think the unique factor is the relationship between the two characters. In a way, they are drawn to each other at the party and thus this begins a relationship between the two and the dialogue they have.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will the actors be able to obtain roles and excel in the acting community or will their Asian heritage stand in their way?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
Everyone knows: That the two are trying to make their way in the acting world.
Only one person knows: Only Bradley knows he has killed someone until he tells Vincent.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
I think the most theatrical moment is when Bradley tells Vincent he ahs killed someone because this is so unexpected and shocking.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Ethnicity and casting
Discrimination
Gender-roles
8. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
Bradley and Vincent both want to be successful in the acting community. Vincent even wants to win an Oscar. However, many productions are not written with Asians playing the characters and thus Asians do not get cast as much as they could. Typecasting is not allowing Vincent and Bradley many opportunities to show their talent and be successful actors.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
I think one image is Bradley as a rock. As a role in a play, and as a description of himself, rock is associated with Bradley twice in “Yankee Dawg you Die”. Bradley has also killed someone before. That being said, Bradley being compared to a rock is beneficial to understanding his character because it seems as if he is hard/tough/cut-throat type of person.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
There aren’t really any family relationships in this play. However, Vincent and Bradley seem to be helping each other work through their own issues.
Disgraced Worksheet
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
The play takes place in New York in an apartment. The apartment belongs to a lawyer, Amir, is trying to get ahead in his firm so he turns from his previous Muslim faith because he thinks this will help him achieve his goal. The time period is modern day.
2. What is the intrusion?
I think the intrusion is when Amir finds out that Emily is cheating on him and beats her.
3. What is the unique factor?
I think the unique factor is the dinner party in itself. The dinner party is where all the different opinions and beliefs are heard and without this the overall message of the play would be missed. Also, the fact that Amir has turned away from his faith to get ahead in his firm may be a unique factor of the play.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Amir ever identify as a Muslim in present day America, or will he put his career above his faith because of society?
5. List some of the themes of the play.
Diversity
Denial of Heritage to fit into society
Discrimination
6. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
Amir wants to get ahead in his firm and thus indirectly wants to separate himself from his Muslim heritage. The people at the dinner want to talk about controversial topics that have to deal with their own heritages and beliefs. I think Emily, Amir’s wife, wants his love and support. I think her caring for Isaac
Was unable to see the play.
Zoot Suit Worksheet
Hannah Jackson
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
The who is Henry Reynas and his street gang of “chicanos”. The play took place in Los Angeles, California during the 1940s. The what is everything the gang encounters including the police and the Downey Gang. They wear the zoot suit which is a big jacket with baggy pants. This is what distinguished them.
2. What is the intrusion?
I think the intrusion is when Henry and his gang are arrested by the LAPD for killing a young male Mexican-American.
3. What is the unique factor?
I think the unique factor is the time era that this occurred in. WWII had the police on edge and thus this contributed to the arrest of Henry and his gang. Maybe sentiments would have been different if The United States was not in a war.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Henry and his friends get justice?
Will discrimination toward Mexican-Americans come to an end?
5. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
I think the most theatrical moment would have to be that fight at the Sleepy Lagoon between the two gangs. Fights always draw out a lot of emotion and action.
.
6. List some of the themes of the play.
Justice vs. Injustice
Failure of our judicial system
Justice for Minorities
Mexican-American Culture
Taking advantage of authority (police)
7. What does Henry want? How does the playwright resolve his wants at the end of the play? How does this resolution compare with the real Henry, as indicated in the documentary?
Henry wants to join the military and to be treated equally as a Mexican-American. He also really cares about his family and respects his Hispanic culture. Because of the arrest and mistreatment by the police and judicial system, Henry cannot join the navy. At the end of the play, Henry is happily with his family and living out his heritage.
The play and real life depictions of Henry are much different. Henry ends up going to prison a couple of times and is addicted to drugs. I think the play rewrote his story in a way that would be beneficial to Mexican-American culture. Besides, no one likes a sad ending.
8. Note which version of the play in production you saw (either the DVD version or the HS stage version), then discuss the way the designers move from place to place (scene to scene) and how effectively that is for communicating the dramatic action.
The fast pace and swift/smooth scene transitions in the high school production kept me attentive to what was going on. They used Pachuco and lighting/colors to help identify where the action was taking place which helped me get my understanding of where we were. The blackouts added to the suspenseful nature and overall interestingness of the play because you didn’t know what happened or what was going to happen next. Overall I felt the high school production really kept you on the edge of your seat while also strategically using props and characters to portray locations.
9. Choose a character from the play and discuss how the costume designer has accentuated (focused) the audience attention on that character. What are some of the details of the costume that strike you as interesting or exaggerated.
El Pachuco’s entire character is an exaggeration. I think the move really exaggerates his character with his style of clothing and dramatic body movements. Even the way he talks because his mouth movements are extreme when pronouncing his words.
10. Lighting plays a big role in the DVD and the staged version by the HS. Discuss the use of light to accentuate characters and scenes, choosing a particular scene from the production to discuss.
Lighting, as in all plays, played an important role in this production. It contributed to the location by setting the background. For example, lighting helped create a sunset which added to the mood of the play. Also the lighting highlighted characters which again added to the mood of the scene. The one scene that sticks out to me most is when Pachuco is stripped of his zoot suit and the entire set turns red. This adds to the dramatic nature of this scene.
Fires in the Mirror Modified Worksheet
Based on your viewing of the entire youtube version of Fires in the Mirror which was created from the play for presentation on television, answer the following questions:
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
This play takes place in a neighborhood, Crown Heights, in Brooklyn, New York and is set in August of 1991. The "who" of the play is those that live in this neighborhood and the "what" is an incident that occurred between a Jewish man and a young black boy. The incident caused racial conflict and the characters give their points of view.
2. What is the intrusion?
I think the intrusion is when the Jewish rabbi accidentally runs over a young black male named Gabin. This what starts the conflict between the black and Jewish community which causes further violence to happen.
3. What is the unique factor?
I think the unique factor is when the Rabbi runs over Gavin.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will the black and Jewish communities reconcile or will hatred dominate their relationship thus forth?
5. In your opinion what is the most theatrical segment of the video version of the play and explain why do you think it is so powerful?
In my opinion, the most theatrical segment of the video version of the play was the section titled "Lingering". This section has slow, sad music playing in the background as pictures of Gavin are shown and pictures of his coffin. This is followed by Gavin's father giving his perspective of what happened. I found this so emotionally moving. The father speaks in a calm quite voice. When he says, "That's my son" I felt my heart drop. I think this is the most theatrical part of the play because it is so emotionally evoking,
6. List some of the themes of the play.
Racial Conflict
Religious Culture
Justice
7. Television allows the actress to create mini sets, a variety of lighting effects, and detailed costume pieces for the presentation of her many characters, not to mention graphic footage of the actual events in Crown Heights. This is frankly not possible to accomplish on the stage which requires that the action move rapidly between one scene and the other leaving little if any time for a change of dress, settings, lights, and props. Describe some of the varieties of these production details that struck you as particularly effective.
I think what really made the character come alive was Smith's attention to detail. The costumes were very helpful in identifying who the characters were but Smith's focus on specific mannerism, accents, and overall style of characters really helped me to connect with the characters. I thought she did a really good job of portraying the dad with the deep voice and attempts not to cry on camera. It is all the details coming together that made the portrayal of the characters so effective.
Lines Worksheet for analysis and design of this live production
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
This play takes place in Grand Rapids, Michigan where different people talk about finding somewhere to live. I think the what of the play is racial diversity and all it entails.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion of this play is hard to identify because of the lack of story line but I would say the intrusion is the characters decision to tell their stories.
3. What is the unique factor?
I think the unique factor is the racial diversity
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will the “lines” of society the characters spoke about ever go away?
5. Identify some of the most theatrical moments in the play and of what importance they were to you.
Because all of the characters were sharing their own experiences there wasn’t really a theatrical moment that stood out to me. I never really felt a climax to the story either. It was more like a documentary to me.
6. List some of the themes of the play.
Discrimination
The societal “norm”
7. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
I think the most obvious and yet most important image is the “lines”. The lines may not be something you can literally see but they are lines you can feel. There are lines, almost like unspoken rules or boundaries, that society sets. The title “lines” is fitting because the characters are giving their lines while also the message of the play is about racial lines in society and how they have affected so many people.
8. The production used the stage in a multitude of creative ways to places where the action took place. List some of these that particularly stood out to you.
The boxes on the stage is what stood out to me. These white boxes served a multitude of purposes. Actors would stand on the boxes and sit on the boxes. The boxes were also used to give a visual for a neighborhood of houses. I just thought something so simple had a really unique effect on this play. I think this also further played into the “lines” theme.
9. Projections and lighting also played an important role in the performance. Discuss the use of both to achieve the intended effect.
I thought it was helpful how the names and occupations of those speaking were projected where the audience could see. It really helped me to understand what was going on and keep track of who was speaking. The spotlight on individuals that were speaking was also helpful. In this way, I think the play did a really good job of being clear and concise.
10. Live and recorded sound played a role in this production. What were some of the memorable uses of these to support the stories that were told.
I didn’t appreciate the sound of drums in the background. It made it difficult for me to focus on what these characters were saying. However, I do think the drums added to the mood of the play by making it more intense for the audience.
Extremities Worksheet
Hannah Jackson
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
Extremities takes place in the kitchen and living room of a farm house located in New Jersey. The time period is recent or modern day. The who of the play would be Marjorie and her almost rapist Raul. Some other characters of the play include Marjorie’s roommates Terry and Patricia. Terry and Patricia come home to find the evidence of the attempted rape.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion is when Raul goes to the farmhouse to try and rape Marjorie while she is home by herself.
3. What is the unique factor?
The unique factor is that after stalking these women for some time, Raul finally decides to go into the farmhouse to try and rape them.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Marjorie and her roommates kill Raul?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
The type of exposition that is only known to one character: Only Raul knew he was going to rape these women
The type of exposition known to all the characters: The Marjorie has tortured Raul
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
I think the most theatrical moment of the play is when Marjorie is threatening to kill Raul in a similar way he had threatened her.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Feminism
Justice for all versus justice for one
8. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
Marjorie wants revenge for what Raul has done to her but it seems that her conscience, roommates, and possibly fear of the law stand in her way of getting that revenge.
Raul wanted to rape the women, but Marjorie prevents this from happening.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
I think the wasp is an image of rape. In the beginning of the play there is a wasp that is disturbing Marjorie. A wasp sticks people with a stinger and injects poison, in this way, I think it is symbolizing rape. The wasp upsets Marjorie as did the attempted rape.
I think the title extremities is referring to this wasp and thus rape. One definition of extremity is extreme degree or nature of something. I think rape is taking sex to an extreme degree and further more Marjorie’s reaction was extreme but necessary.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
Raul mentions his family a lot throughout the play but his role in the play of the attempted rape suggest that he does not truly care about his family. The roommates seem close but I would not go as far to say family.
Design Worksheet for Split Second
Please type or write your name here: Hannah Jackson
1. Which of the possible venues do you think would best suit the play? Circle the one you choose and explain why you think it would work best.
Proscenium
Arena
Thrust
Flexible
I think the Proscenium stage would best suit the play because it will allow optimal view for the audience and smooth transitions to different locations. For the scene where Val shoots Willis, Proscenium would be the best pick because everyone can see the entire shooting. In another style like Arena, the audience may only get to see the back of Val or the back of Willis. Seeing as this scene is pertinent to the plot of the play, it is important for everyone to see what happens in its entirety.
2. What are some of the challenges posed by the play on the scene designer?
In this play, there are a lot of different locations such as the street, apartment, police station, and bar. It will be hard to ensure that the audience is aware of the location change. There will be a lot of scene changes that will occur in a short period of time so that will take a lot of planning. Also portraying a “street” scene might be hard to capture because so much goes into making a street.
3. Choose a character from the play and suggest how she/he should be dressed. In what ways do you think the costume would help accentuate his/her character.
I think Willis should be dressed to reflect a low socio-economic status. He should have a white under-shirt, or a wife beater with a hoodie jacket and some torn up jeans and cheap tennis shoes. I think his clothes should look very worn with stains. Willis commits crimes so maybe he does not have money and I feel that she be reflected in his clothing.
4. Provide ideas about the use of light in the play.
The time of day changes so that will need to be accounted for. Also, I think when the shooting happens, there should be a spotlight on the two men and then once Willis dies, the lights should slowly dim out to blackness. I think that this will make this theatrical theme even more dramatic. Lighting can really set the mood/tone and this scene is dramatic and dark and the lighting should reflect that.
5. Suggest music or sound effects that might be used to suggest the mood or atmosphere of the play and the transitions between parts of the play.
I think during the argument between Willis and Val the music should start out slow at the beginning but then speed up tempo as the argument intensifies and the music should become extremely intense and loud right as Val shoots Willis but then immediately stop and become silent right after. This will add to the intensity of the scene. I think the transitions of the play should reflect the coming up scene. For instance, the transition to the street scene should have street sounds like cars honking and people talking.
Split Second Worksheet
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
This play takes place in Manhattan, New York on the upper westside in 1981. The main characters or “who” of the play is Val, Alea, and Rusty Johnson, Willis, Charlie, and Parker. The play is about the decision a black police officer must make after shooting a white car thief.
2. What is the intrusion?
I think the intrusion occurs when Val becomes very angry because Willis is saying racially charged things to him and reacts to this by shooting and ultimately killing him.
3. What is the unique factor?
The unique factor is the race factor in the play. If skin color did not play a part in the play then this would be just a simple murder and the context of the play would completely change.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Val admit the true reason for killing Willis or will he lie to protect himself?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
Type of exposition that only one character knows: Only Val knows he killed Willis out of rage
Type of exposition everyone knows: Willis was a car thief and was shot by Val
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
I think the most theatrical moment of the play is when Val shoots Willis. It’s dramatic because the emotions are highly escalated because of the derogatory remarks from Willis which leads to an extreme response that makes the audience feel shocked. This scenes importance is that it shows the real emotion that can come from intense discrimination and its effects.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Racial Inequality
Truth vs. justice
8. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
I think the gun that Val uses to kill Willis is a symbol of the rage and hatred someone can feel due to oppression. The title connects the image of the gun and furthermore the action of the whole play. I think “Split Second” is referring to the split second it took to kill Willis, and how everything can change in a split second.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
Alea and Val seem to have a close marriage in which they can talk about the crime Val committed openly instead of Val hiding it. Also, Val really values his wife’s opinion when it comes to what he should do: admit the true reason he killed Willis or not. Val and his father also seem to be close but it seems that Val’s father puts a lot of pressure on him but because he really cares about his son and wants him to do the right thing.
Execution of Justice Worksheet
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
The play is set in San Francisco, California in 1978. The who of the play is Harvey Milk and George Moscone. These men are murdered because they pursued political careers as gay men. Moscone was the mayor of San Francisco and Milk was the first openly gay man to be elected as a public official in California. He was on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The what of the play is that Dan White murdered Moscone and Harvey and was defended by Schmidt in court.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion is when Mayor Moscone and Harvey Milk are killed by Dan White.
3. What is the unique factor?
I think the unique factor is that the men that were murdered, Harvey Milk and Moscone were gay. This factor changed the theme of the play from just being a murder to a hate crime against gays, especially during a time when the LGBT community were under such scrutiny.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
What will happen to Dan White?
How just is the justice system?
Will the fact that these men were gay affect the jurys opinion?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
One example of exposition that everyone knows is that the men that were murdered were gay and that they were killed by Dan White.
The other type of exposition that only one character knows is Dan White deciding to kill Milk and Mocone. Only he knew that he was going to do that, and more importantly why he did it.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
I think the most theatrical moment of the play is when the jury gives their guilty verdict. The entire play had been leading up to this moment to see how society would react to the murder of gay men buy a man that was considered “one of their own”. They did give the guilty verdict, however Dan stilled received a very light sentence.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Gay rights/equality for gays
How just is the justice system
community
8. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
An image in the play that stood out to me is the gun. The gun helped Dan White murder Mocone and Milk. Dan had a plan, and he executed it. The title of this play is execution of justice. I think execution is used because Dan White is executioner in a sense and the title is suggesting that this was premeditated murder and not a psychotic break which was debated throughout the play.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
The LGBT Community could be seen as family because they are loyal to one another and stick up for each other. Dan Whites family sticks by him even though committed a terrible act. Overall, there are strong familial bonds in this play.
Flyin' West Worksheet
Flyin’ West Worksheet Name: Hannah Jackson
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
WHO: Three sisters: Sophie, Minnie, and Fannie; Minnie’s husband Frank, and Miss Leah
WHEN: The play is set in 1898, during a time of racial inequality.
WHERE: Nicodemus, Kansas
WHAT: The play is about sisters Sophie, Minnie, and Fannie and their lives in the town of Nicodemus, Kansas where the population is entirely black. I think the main what of this
Miss Leah, Sophie & Wil, Minnie & Frank, and Fannie are in the town of Nicodemus in Kansas in 1898 trying to start a new life in the west.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion is when Frank is drunk and angry that he lost his money gambling so he takes his anger out on Minnie which leads to Minnie pleading with Fannie not to shoot Frank because she is pregnant.
3. What is the unique factor?
I think the unique factor is that Minnie and Frank are returning from Londo.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Minnie escape her abusive husband? Will the women take it upon themselves to get rid of Frank?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
1) Minnie kept it to herself that she was pregnant until Fannie went to shoot Frank where she reveals it to everyone
2) All the characters know that Frank is abusing Minnie.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
I think the most theatrical moment of the play is when Fannie goes to shoot Frank causing Minnie to dramatically reveal she is pregnant.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Domestic Violence
Women Inequality
Racial inequality
8. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
The title “Flyin West” draws attention to how African American’s were leaving the south and going West to escape the unbearable racism and oppression. The weather of the play could symbolize the mood of the play. During the hardships the women experience it is winter but when they escape Frank it turns to spring.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
The women in this play are not all related but you would not know that by the way they behave. This play really shows the meaning of sisterhood among women and the loyalty, love, and support that comes with that. Also, Miss Leah serves as a mother figure to the women. Another family relationship that is examined during this play is that between a husband and wife. Marriage seems to not have been so much about love but about dependence. Even though Minnie is being abused by her husband, she tells Fannie not to shoot him because she is pregnant insinuating that she needs him to raise a child
The Rez Sisters Worksheet Name: Hannah Jackson
1. Reflect on the importance of the character (spirit?) not seen by all the characters but seen by only one or a few of the characters and discuss that character’s importance to the dramatic action and the development of the plot.
Nanabush is the “spirit” character of the play and is also an important deity in Native American cultures. Nanabush, in a way, stays behind the scenes and observes the events that take place among these women. It is there when the characters are going through difficult times: Marie-Adele dying of cancer, Zhaboonigan’s horrific rape, and when the women are fighting. I think Nanabush serves as a spirit that encapsulates the emotions that go along with all of these events. The spirit understands how the characters are feeling and uses this knowledge to guide them. I think this is why the spirit takes the form of a bird because a bird is sort of a guiding animals. I also think it is worth mentioning that when Marie-Adele is dying she calls Nanabush “the spirit inside”. This further supports the claim that Nanabush is the spirit of all of these women, feeling all of their pains, and thus empathizing with them.
2. Compare the aspirations and socio-economic level of the characters in this play with those in Wedding Band, Queen's Garden, and Real Women.
In The Rez Sisters, Wedding Band, Queen's Garden, and Real Women the characters are trying to escape the current lifestyle they are in. For example, in Wedding Band the main female characters just wants to marry the man she loves and escape the ridicule of loving a white man, in Queen’s Garden the women want to escape the constant patronization and oppression inflicted by their husbands, in Real Women Ana wants to go to college and escape the clothing shop and in The Rez Sisters the women want to win the bingo game to escape their life of poverty. Lack of money seems to be one of the main driving forces of many of these plots. All of these characters are of low-socioeconomic backgrounds. I think this reinforces the fact that women were limited on what type of jobs they could have and did not make equal pay. Overall, the characters in these plays are trying to escape their oppressive lifestyles and reach a freedom and equality they never have had before.
3. Compare the role of women and the depiction of men in this play with that in Real Women Have Curves
In Real Women Have Curves, it seemed as if the women looked at men as their survival whereas in The Rez Sisters they are not really that important. In The Rez Sisters and in Real Women Have Curves it is clear that the women are not of equal status of the men. For instance, a woman in The Rez Sisters could not become chief because that is only a role for a man. Also in the The Rez Sisters, the women don’t really seem to depend on men, they make their own income as little as it may be. Men in The Rez Sisters cause conflict such as the rape of Marie-Adele. However in Real Women Have Curves men were seen as someone who could provide money as it is suggested to Ana to get a husband that can pay for college. Overall, in both plays the inequality between men and women, especially financially, is clear, but how the women look at this situation is different.
Real Women Have Curves Worksheet : Hannah Jackson
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
“Real Women have Curves” is set in a small sewing factory in East Los Angeles in the year 1987. The who of the play is five Mexican-American women. They all work at this clothing factory with Estela being the owner. Estela’s family and friends work for her at this clothing factory. Carmen is Estela’s mother, Anna is Estela’s sister, and Pancha and Rosali are her friends. However, the story is told from the point of view of Anna. These women are not wealthy and work hard to make the money they do.
2. What is the intrusion?
I think the intrusion is when Estela reveals she does not have legal residency papers. This causes a lot of problems for the women because the women because they have to make a certain amount of dresses by a deadline to have enough money so that Estela is not deported. So really all of the issues that follow are because Estela is in the United States illegally and therefore running a business could pose many problems for Estela and her workers.
3. What is the unique factor?
I think the unique factor of the play is definitely the van the women see. The women think the van might be someone trying to deport Estela. This is intensifies their worry and helps put speed up the action of play by making the threat of being deported very real for these women and thus they try to work harder.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Estela be deported? Will the women make enough dresses by the deadline?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
I think the most theatrical moment of the play is when the women take off all of their clothes. I’m sure this really shocks the audience and is pretty dramatic/scandalous for women to do during this time period. It also brings up the issue of what size is seen as appropriate for women and we see this as the women compare their bodies.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
8. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
I think the images throughout the play of the women working in uncomfortable conditions helps the audience realize who “Real women” are and thus what the title means. “Real women” do what they have to and get the work done. They help their family and are loyal to one another. They are hard-working and do not all come in the same size. Body image is also seen throughout the play especially when the women take all of their clothes off which really supports the “Real Women have Curves” title. I think the title is saying women do have curves literally as in they are not just thin boards and also curves figuratively meaning flair or spunk as seen throughout the play.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
There are strong familial relationships between the five women of the play. Even though Ana wants to go a different direction with her life other than the factory she is loyal to her sister and stays to help out the family. In fact, all of the women work very hard to ensure that Estela does not get deported even though they are not at risk. They put helping family first and sticking together as women.
Queen’s Garden Worksheet Hannah Jackson
1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
When: This play is set in 1966 and is a story told by a woman named Brenda (who).
Where: There is music playing in the background to give the sense of the beach in California. The audience begins to drift into the event as Brenda starts her narrative. Brenda is telling a story of her life when she was 13, in L.A., on an island they call the “west side.” She, her mother, and her siblings all work at her dad’s pharmacy store.
Who: Brenda, the narrator and young girl teenager in the story.
What: Brenda’s life with her boyfriend Kali and the other friends she makes: Smoke and Sherry.
2. What is the intrusion?
I think the intrusion is when Brenda and Kali are put in separate classes. Kali is with the rest of the “west side kids” and Brenda is not. This is what will speed up the intensity of the play an ultimately I believe lead Kali and Brenda down two separate paths.
3. What is the unique factor?
I think the unique factor of the play is Kali “squealing to the DEA” about Smoke. This leads the betrayal from Smoke’s point of view which really puts the action of the story in motion: Brenda returning to help Kali and the death of Aunty Mary.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Brenda and Kali stay together? Is Brenda going to try to save Kali from his lifestyle?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
I think the most theatrical moment of the play is when aunty Mary gets shot and thus killed during a gun fight between Kali and Smoke. This is theatrical none the less because it is a murder scene but also Aunty Mary is not the character you would expect to die in this play and also Kali and Smoke used to be very good friends. These factors contribute to the drama of theatre.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
8. What do the principal characters want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of them getting what they want?
Brenda does not want the “west side” to define her. She wants a successful and maybe even honorable lifestyle. This is why she becomes a teacher. She tries to keep away from the west side but it is her love for Kali that keeps calling her back. In this way Kali serves as an obstacle to Brenda’s happiness.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
I think the various depictions of red roses we get throughout the play relate to the title “Queen’s Garden”. The roses and their smell symbolized the love between these friends and the image we get when both Aunty Mary and Kali die has red roses falling. I think this symbolizes that the only reason there was such hatred between past friends Smoke and Kali was because they had once loved each other as friends. I think the roses falling symbolize how the love the characters shared ultimately destroyed them in the end.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
The group of friends (Sherry, Smoke, Brenda, and Kali) seen in the play seem like they have made a family. Even when Brenda has made a better life for herself, she still comes back to the west side because she loves Kali and her friend Sherry tells her that Kali and Smoke are involved with bad stuff. It is this familial loyalty that brings these kids together but will also tear them apart.
Trifles Design Worksheet: Hannah Jackson
1. The way an audience perceives the play is shaped by the choice of performance venue, as well as the set that is designed for the play. Indeed, all the elements that you see and hear during a performance are bound to shape your perception of the play. Which of the following venues do you think can best meet the needs of the play?
I think the Proscenium venue would be the most beneficial for the audience. All of the action occurs inside the house and mainly in the kitchen so the proscenium view would allow the audience to get a close up look of the inside of the house. This play is very much about detail so this more intimate style will give the best view for the audience to draw connections throughout the play.
2. What are some of the challenges posed by the play on the design team?
Some of the main events of the play are sizably small so this would make it hard for the audience to see. For instance, the bird with its neck wrung will be hard for the audience to see. A bird is small as is and then the manner in which the bird died will be even hard to project to the entire audience visually.
3. Choose a character from the play and suggest how she/he should be dressed. In what ways do you think the costume would help accentuate his/her character?
I think the women should be dressed in vibrant colors and in dresses to demonstrate their femininity. I think the men should be in suit and tie to express their status as men in this time period. The play is really focused on women so the vibrant colors of their dresses should attract the attention of the audience. I also think it adds to the condescension the women experience from the men, as if wearing vibrant colors diminishes their intellectualness in some way. Thus to draw light to the sexism in the play which is demonstrated by the men with their mockery of femininity.
4. Given the content of the play, how might the lighting design help further the mood of the production?
I think the lighting should be dark to add to the solemnness of the women in the beginning and the unavoidable eeriness that comes with a murder. However, when the excitement picks up as the women decide to hide evidence I think the lighting should brighten some. I also think the light should be used to identify the important details of the play such as the trifles and the birds.
5. Suggest music or sound effects that might be used to accentuate the mood or atmosphere of the play and the transitions between parts of the play.
With any murder case scenario, I think there should be dramatic music at some key theatrical parts, such as when the ladies find the dead bird. I also think the music should intensify when the women decide to hide the bird to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, in suspense of if the women will get caught. I also think the music should be slow and solemn when the women are talking amongst each other about their plights as women.
Design Worksheet for Wedding Band
Please type or write your name here: Hannah Jackson
1. Which of the possible venues do you think would best suit the play? Circle the one you choose and explain why you think it would work best.
Proscenium
Arena
Thrust
Flexible
I think the proscenium style would work the best for Wedding Band. With this style, the three houses would sit in a row and the backyard would be where we see many of the characters converse. However, this would allow a more intimate view for scenes when they are inside of Julia’s house. It allows for the audience to be close enough to the stage to see things that take place inside the house for scenes between Julia and Herman. The proscenium style offers the most logical proximity for the audience to experience this play. It is a more intimate experience than a huge stage such has thrust or arena.
2. What are some of the challenges posed by the play on the scene designer?
I think the three houses design will pose the most challenge to the scene designer. It is important for the audience to understand which house the characters are in in regards to the scenes where the characters inter a house. I also think that the backyard scenario will be a little difficult to represent while maintaining a unique setting to this time period. It poses the question of what did backyards look like in 1918 verses 2016? It will be difficult to create an accurate representation of 1918 within the limits of a backyard. One of the main aspects of a backyard is grass; how would one have a grassy stage? I think a backyard overall is just a difficult setting to capture theatrically.
3. Choose a character from the play and suggest how she/he should be dressed. In what ways do you think the costume would help accentuate his/her character.
I think Julia’s attire is most important because we know the most about her and she is featured in the most scenes. I think she should be dressed in a quaint but dignified look. I think she should dress in bold colors such as a deep blue or red to exemplify the boldness of loving a white man as a black woman. Her clothes should look hand-made because she sews but none the less they should look like a lot of time and effort was spent making them. Overall Julia is confident and strong which should be demonstrated through her attire, however at her socio-economic level.
4. Provide ideas about the use of light in the play.
Because the play is set in the summer, I think the lighting through most of the play should be bright and warm but not too bright where it distracts the audience. I think the lighting should reflect the mood of the scene. For instance, I would use a white light during the argument between Julia and Herman’s mother but have it dark all around them. I would also have the light very dim as Julia comforts Herman as he passes. Besides this, the lighting should reflect what time of day it is.
5. Suggest music or sound effects that might be used to suggest the mood or atmosphere of the play and the transitions between parts of the play.
I think the beginning of the play should have somewhat upbeat music to reflect the joys and easiness of summer. However, during the more somber times of the play, such as Herman’s death, naturally the music should be slow and melancholy. I think the sound effects of rain and thunder during the argument between Julia and Herman’s mother would build the intensity of the argument.